- He added that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, possess strong potential driven by innovation
- She pointed out that the world is currently grappling with a range of complex challenges, including climate change
- Attafuah emphasised that gender equality lies at the heart of all these priorities, noting that empowering women is essential
The United Nations has called for greater focus on empowering women, describing it as a key factor in achieving lasting development in Nigeria.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that this message was delivered by the UN’s Acting Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Nigeria, Elsie Attafuah, during the Lions Day with the United Nations (LDUN) event held in Abuja on Thursday.
EDITOR’S PICK
- G7 Meets in France Amid Middle East Tensions
- Epe in Focus: Tinubu to Announce Lagos APC Consensus Governorship Candidate Monday
- Bisola Badmus Rallies Support for Biola Bayo Following Heated Baba Ijesha Interview Backlash
She was represented at the occasion by Beatrice Eyong, the Country Representative for UN Women in Nigeria.
Attafuah noted that the annual event is more than a symbolic celebration, highlighting its roots in the long-standing partnership between the UN and Lions International, which dates back to the organisation’s founding in 1945.
She pointed out that the world is currently grappling with a range of complex challenges, including climate change, migration, public health emergencies, insecurity, gender-based violence, and the limited participation of women in leadership.
According to her, the platform should be used to encourage meaningful discussions, innovation, and collective action to tackle these issues.
She stressed that progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 is still achievable if efforts are accelerated in key areas such as education, digital access, food systems, energy, job creation, social protection, and environmental sustainability.
Attafuah emphasised that gender equality lies at the heart of all these priorities, noting that empowering women is essential to building a fair, peaceful, and sustainable society.
She added that meaningful progress in peacebuilding, development, and human rights cannot happen without women actively participating in decision-making and shaping solutions.
She also highlighted the shared vision between the United Nations and Lions International, which includes promoting peace, improving education, reducing poverty, strengthening healthcare, and supporting vulnerable populations.
Over the years, she said, Lions International has worked closely with UN agencies such as UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO to implement humanitarian initiatives worldwide.
In his remarks, Ibrahim Bello, Multiple Council Chairperson of Lions International, reaffirmed the importance of the partnership, noting that it is built on common principles such as service, cooperation, and a commitment to improving lives.
He added that countries in the Global South, including Nigeria, possess strong potential driven by innovation, resilience, and leadership, particularly among women and young people.
Bello further explained that while the UN provides global direction and policy frameworks, organisations like Lions International play a crucial role in translating those ideas into real impact at the community level, where meaningful change begins.
FURTHER READING
